Internet-connected vehicles whizzing around autonomously and picking up passengers when hailed - this scenario is among the future possibilities that FAW-Volkswagen Automotive's Audi division is striving to realize in the world's largest auto market.

The Sino-German joint venture envisages users being able to enjoy personalized, stress-free journeys aided by the brilliant technologies that are transforming the magical into the routine.

As soon as a user logs onto the myAudi app through biometric identification, the cloud server will remember in a flash his or her most frequented routes.

After the briefest interactions, the destination is determined and the platform will decide the best route automatically in accordance with the user's preference, said Rupert Stadler, chairman of the board of management of Audi AG.

The nearest available internet-connected Audi car receives the command through the Audi at Home platform and picks up the user at his or her gate.

When the passenger approaches, the intelligent vehicle's door opens automatically.

The inside of the vehicle is noise canceling and fully digitalized, so that a quiet individual domain enables the user to work, study, entertain or simply relax.

The passenger might not even notice that the vehicle is generating no emissions and less noise, as the electric powertrain, the Audi e-tron, is running without disruption, according to Stadler.

Arriving at the destination, the passenger can alight the vehicle conveniently and safely before the car leaves to park itself without supervision. Such parking lots can have smaller spaces and lower ceilings, because no one has to get in or out.

This individualized benefit for an Audi user could also lead to a far more efficient use of resource and reduce both congestion and pollution.

Bringing the future closer

While the scenario will not be realized tomorrow, insiders expect around 15 percent of new vehicles to be fully autonomous by 2030.

However, the German brand is determined to help accelerate the industry through its own perseverance to bring about driverless experiences earlier - by 2025 - in order to serve future passengers who are young today.

Audi's latest 2025 strategy, which furthers its vision, promises individualized experiences and customized future mobility solutions for its Chinese users, as part of a transformation into a mobility service provider in the near future.

In fact, the future is already something of a reality, as the Audi at Home platform has been piloting since August in a luxurious residential complex in Hong Kong.

Residents can book an Audi trip through the app, at short notice or well in advance, and pay for only the duration that they occupy the car.

Stadler said the premium service provides an exclusive fleet with the right Audi for every occasion: a compact Audi A3 e-tron for running errands around the city, a luxuriously-equipped Audi Q7 for family trips, or an Audi TT Roadster for a more sporty driving experience.

A concierge is responsible for care and maintenance, and for making sure the cars are fully fuelled or charged, and of course cleaned.

In the coming months, Chinese users will witness Audi activate another futuristic technology - semi-automated driving - together with the localized e-tron powered saloon, according to the company's news release.

The individualized service will be also launched this year, which is particularly focused on younger users who prefer compact and mid-size vehicles.

The offer will start with Audi A3 buyers. A total of 15 customizations will be provided, including freestyle color toning, in line with the worldwide quality standard.

(China Daily 02/20/2017 page19)